Uganda Cranes to Face Tough Opponents in AFCON 2025 Group C
The stage is set for Africa’s biggest football spectacle, the Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, as Uganda Cranes find themselves drawn into Group C alongside tournament heavyweights and last edition’s finalists, Nigeria.
The official draw, held at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, unveiled the road ahead for the 24 qualified teams battling for the prestigious title. The event was marked by a blend of football excitement and star-studded glamour, as the six groups for the tournament were announced.
Uganda’s Challenging Group C
In Group C, Uganda will face a formidable lineup of opponents. Alongside three-time AFCON winners Nigeria, the Cranes will also compete against their East African neighbors and AFCON 2027 co-hosts, Tanzania, as well as Tunisia, a team with a strong AFCON pedigree. Uganda, whose best performance came in 1978 when they finished as runners-up, will be aiming to rekindle that past glory.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, offering Uganda another chance to showcase their growth on the continental stage.
Defending Champions Côte d’Ivoire Eye Back-to-Back Titles
Elsewhere, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire have been drawn into Group F, setting up a highly anticipated clash with their long-time rivals Cameroon. The group also features Gabon and Mozambique, adding to the intrigue as Côte d’Ivoire look to retain their crown.
Uganda’s Journey to AFCON 2025
Uganda Cranes secured their place in AFCON 2025 after finishing second in Group K during the qualifiers. They amassed an impressive 13 points, narrowly behind group leaders South Africa, who finished with 14 points. This will be Uganda’s eighth appearance at the continental showpiece, a testament to their consistent growth in African football.
Reflecting on the draw, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put expressed confidence in the team’s potential to rise to the occasion. “There are no easy teams in Africa,” Put remarked. “We have to believe in ourselves and take this opportunity. The key now is to prepare thoroughly.”
A Look Back at Uganda’s AFCON History
The Cranes last participated in AFCON in 2019, reaching the Round of 16 before falling to Senegal in a closely contested match, where Sadio Mané’s early goal proved decisive. Their best-ever performance, however, remains the 1978 tournament, where they finished as runners-up after a hard-fought campaign ended with a 2-0 loss to Ghana in the final.
Final Group Stage Draw for AFCON 2025:
Here are the six groups for the tournament:
- Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
- Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
- Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
- Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
- Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
- Group F: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to AFCON 2025 begins, Uganda Cranes will undoubtedly be gearing up for a fierce competition. With a tough group and high expectations, the team has an opportunity to make history and solidify their place among Africa’s football elites. Fans can expect thrilling matches as the continent’s best teams converge in Morocco for what promises to be a tournament to remember.
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